Woolworths stores were selling the blocks for $7.69 on Monday. <\/p>\n
Prices of other Whittaker\u2019s products have also increased. <\/p>\n
Last week, New World was selling 100g blocks for $5.99. Today, they cost $6.99. <\/p>\n
Last week, New World was selling 100g blocks for $5.99. Today, they cost $6.99. Photo \/ Duncan Brown<\/p>\n
The 45g bars, including \u201cPeanut Slabs\u201d, last week cost $2.09. Now they are $2.69. <\/p>\n
Hike driven by a jump in ingredient and operating costs<\/p>\n
The company announced prices would be increased across its range of products last Friday<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cAt Whittaker\u2019s, we\u2019re proud to craft all of our chocolate right here in New Zealand, using the finest ingredients,\u201d the company said on its social media.<\/p>\n \u201cFor us, increasing our prices is always a last resort, however, over the past year, the cost of ingredients and operating costs have continued to rise.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll never compromise on the size or quality of our products so this price increase will enable us to continue bringing you our delicious chocolate made with the very best, ethically sourced ingredients.\u201d<\/p>\n The announcement comes after Statistics NZ yesterday revealed food prices had increased 4.1% in the 12 months to September.<\/p>\n The average price of milk was 15.1% higher than a year ago. Stats NZ said the 3.9% increase in prices in the grocery food category had driven the overall food price.<\/p>\n Butter prices were 28.9% higher than a year ago and cheese prices rose 31.4%.<\/p>\n The social media response to Whittaker\u2019s announcement appeared to be understanding of the cost pressures and appreciative of the company\u2019s commitment to quality and block size.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll give credit where credit\u2019s due. You are always up front when increasing prices and very clear in not compromising on quality, unlike competitors who slowly reduce their sizing and quality and hope the customer won\u2019t notice. Will always buy Whittaker\u2019s,\u201d one social media user said.<\/p>\n \u201cConsistent quality and transparency means I will always buy your chocolate,\u201d another said.<\/p>\n \u201cLove your chocolate, love that it never shrinks, and the recipe never changes. Happy to support local. We\u2019re loyal to Whittaker\u2019s,\u201d another social media user said.<\/p>\nChocolate blocks move down the production line inside Whittaker’s Porirua factory. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n